Flake Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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flake
[fleɪk ]
Definitions
snow
A small, thin piece of snow or ice.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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flake |
Commonly refers to a small, thin piece of something, often used for food or material. It can also be used informally to describe someone who is unreliable.
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snowflake |
A unique, six-sided ice crystal that falls from the sky in cold weather. Informally, it can also negatively describe someone who is overly sensitive.
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crystal |
Describes a clear, transparent mineral or a piece of such mineral used in jewelry or decorative objects. Also used figuratively to talk about something very clear or clean.
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ice chip |
Often refers to a small, thin piece of ice, usually used in drinks or for medical purposes, like soothing a sore throat.
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Examples of usage
- It's snowing outside, I can see the flakes falling.
- The ground was covered in white flakes after the snowstorm.
person
A person who is unreliable or who changes their mind frequently.
Synonyms
fickle person, inconsistent person, unreliable person.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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flake |
Used informally to describe someone who is not reliable or often cancels plans last minute.
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unreliable person |
Formal term for someone who cannot be trusted to do something properly or on time.
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inconsistent person |
Describes someone who does not behave in the same way every time, often leading to unpredictable actions.
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fickle person |
Refers to someone whose loyalties, interests, or affections change frequently, emphasizing their changeable nature.
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Examples of usage
- I can't count on him, he's such a flake.
- She's a flake, always cancelling plans at the last minute.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- In geology, flakes can refer to thin layers of rock, like slate, that break away easily.
- Snowflakes, which are unique ice crystals, are often called 'flakes' because of their thin, flat structures.
- Flakes of skin or dandruff are natural processes of shedding dead skin cells from the body.
Pop Culture
- In the 1990s, a popular phrase was 'flake out', often used to describe someone who cancels social plans at the last minute.
- The term 'flake' has been used in film and television to describe a character who is unreliable or inconsistent.
- A famous cereal brand features a 'flaky' texture, emphasizing lightness and crispiness in their product's advertising.
Literature
- William Shakespeare used similar concepts in his works, highlighting characters with flaky traits or behaviors.
- The image of snowflakes has been widely used in poetry to symbolize delicacy and uniqueness of each person.
- Modern novels sometimes describe characters as 'flakes' to give a sense of their unpredictable nature.
Psychology
- In psychology, 'flake' can describe someone with avoidant behaviors, often associated with anxiety in social situations.
- The notion of flakiness may be linked to attachment styles, indicating a person's tendency to withdraw or overcommit.
- People often perceive flaky behavior negatively, leading to issues in personal and professional relationships.
Origin of 'flake'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'flake' comes from the Old English 'flac', which means a small, flat piece.
- In Middle English, the word evolved to 'flak', referring to something that peels or chips off.
- It has been used in various contexts since the 14th century, showing its adaptability in language.
The word 'flake' originated in the early 17th century, derived from the Middle English word 'flaken' meaning 'to fall in flakes'. Originally used to describe the small, thin pieces of snow or ice, the term later evolved to also refer to a person who is seen as unreliable or inconsistent.
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #17,091, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.
- ...
- 17088 impassioned
- 17089 micron
- 17090 hosting
- 17091 flake
- 17092 succinctly
- 17093 frontispiece
- 17094 duchess
- ...